Toni Visits Michael Stanley

Toni drove into Coffs to look for a dress to wear to Liana’s wedding after stopping by the shop where Ben had ordered the dress and seeing a picture of it she had in mind what she wanted. Of course it was not to be found and after walking around for a while she decided to pay a call on her father.

"Toni, how delightful to see you," said Michael Stanley taking her in his arms for a hug.

"I hope I’m not interrupting anything," she said moving into his flat. "Oh Dad this is lovely…so different isn’t it?"

"It is different yes but it’s what I like. I had a decorator come in all I asked for was clean surfaces and comfortable furniture."

"It’s modern…classic and the view of the harbor is wonderful."

"I quite like it," he said smiling. "I was going to call you tonight I had an email from Giraud. He’s coming for a visit."

"Is he…when?"

"He should be here at week’s end…coming for a fortnight."

"Will this be the first time you’ve spent time with him Dad?"

"Yes and I’m looking forward to it…getting to know him."

"So am I…you’ll come for dinner of course."

"Oh yes…he wants to meet you. Would you like a cup of tea Toni?"

"Yes actually I would, I’ve been looking for a matron of honor dress this morning…no success yet. How’s the book coming?"

"I’ve been gathering my notes and thoughts only a vague outline on paper. Who is getting married anyone I know?"

"Ben Wade and Liana are getting married again…big wedding this time. Andy and Lucy are also going to get married you remember them from Millies?"

"Oh yes, I’m not sure I know the Wades but I quite like Andy and Lucy is the lovely blond girl."

"She has her own bakery now in The Glen…the town is growing."

"I read about the murder Toni…dreadful business…is Richie involved in the case?"

"He may be he’s representing Hando the murdered girl’s boyfriend…the same one that spray painted his office building."

"What a turn of events, here’s your tea. I had thought about inviting Winnie Peeg out for dinner…do you think she’d come?"

"Miss Peeg, " Toni smiled, "you should ask her and find out." Toni sipped her tea, "I’ve had a note from Mum she tells me about the grandchildren but doesn’t mention the divorce."

"No…well I’ve heard nothing from her since I came over…just as well…yes the divorce is grinding on," he smiled. "That’s a chapter in my life I suppose has been read and re –read. I’m moving on."

"I’m glad you are Dad, I want you to be happy."

"Oh I intend to be Toni…yes I’ve made some friends here already in Coffs, people to dine with and have a drink with…I’ll be fine. Jude and I email back and forth all the time, he sends me pictures of the children."

"Richie’s son Michael, is coming for a visit the end of March, he’ll be here for two weeks…I hope it goes well, I only saw him for a few minutes in Vegas before we came over here. He had nothing to say to me then. I’m not sure I know what to say to a thirteen year old boy or what to do with him."

"Thirteen is a rather awkward age Toni but I’m sure you’ll do fine and Richie will be with you. He came by here the other day did he tell you?"

"No he didn’t…that’s odd…why was he here?"

"He had an appointment in town and just stopped by to say hello, he gets into Coffs quite frequently he said…the court being here."

"Yes he does he works hard…plays hard but I get the best of him," she smiled setting her cup and saucer on the table, "I need to run Dad…so good to see you," giving him a hug and a kiss, "don’t be a stranger come and see us sometime."

"I shall and soon, I’ll call when Giraud gets here and let you know."

"Thanks Dad, bye…love you."